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Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Last edited by Maverick0394; Apr 25, 2017 at 03:26 AM.
I thought about doing the same with my GL, but I can't find a black leather w/ eucalyptus wood steering wheel anywhere (for a reasonable price)... That's why I went with a custom wrap that I bought off AliExpress.
Smartbot - did you buy the wrap and wrap it yourself. Anyhow it really looks good, first class job. I found a wooden wheel on ebay and had the dealer install it. I remember they mentioned they had some issue with the paddles, i.e. transferring them, probably an excuse for the increase charge to install it.
Smartbot - did you buy the wrap and wrap it yourself. Anyhow it really looks good, first class job. I found a wooden wheel on ebay and had the dealer install it. I remember they mentioned they had some issue with the paddles, i.e. transferring them, probably an excuse for the increase charge to install it.
I did it myself. Most of the stitching is done for you, but you have to do the cross stitch yourself. I found a good video on YouTube that helped me get thru the process. It probably took me a good 4-5 hours (spread out over 2 days) to get it all done.
I thought about doing the same with my GL, but I can't find a black leather w/ eucalyptus wood steering wheel anywhere (for a reasonable price)... That's why I went with a custom wrap that I bought off AliExpress.
Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Just a quick question - I was looking to replace the trim piece cover on my GL450 (x166), since it is scratched up from the previous owner. I see the screws in back of the steering wheel; but, I wasn't sure what you meant by the "pin". Can you elaborate a bit.
Hi all, just replaced my all leather steering wheel with a wood/leather version on my own. Replacing it was pretty straightforward and thought I would post some pics of my adventure. The entire process took approximately 30-35 mins. The hardest part was loosening the bolt from the old wheel (whew!). The air bag scared me a bit as it had to be separated from the original wheel and transferring it over to the new wheel. Also very important to note, disconnect battery BEFORE attempting to remove airbag as car will report an error code if not disconnected prior to removal. Removal was done by inserting a small philips screwdriver tip into the existing 2 holes behind the steering wheel and pushing the "pin" back. Any questions you may have I would be happy to try to answer them.
Has anyone else tried this? I did the same over the weekend and thought it was quick and easy ... until I drove it. I now have an alignment issue - it pulls pretty hard right. I went back in a 2nd time to make sure everything was lined up straight, but same result. I’m wondering if it’s possible that I screwed up the alignment in tightening/loosening the hex bolt? It seems hard to believe, but after reinstalling, I just don’t see how it could be from installing the new one crooked
Planning to get an alignment tomorrow, hopefully this will correct it???
So I took my car to a shop that specializes in alignment and the guy said my car didn’t need it - it was nearly perfectly aligned. Wouldn’t even charge me because there was nothing that needed to be done. I then asked him if he drove it and noticed it pulling. He said yes, but had no idea why. He speculated it is a computer issue, thought maybe the right side is getting more power than the left. I asked him why this would happen after changing the wheel and he said it shouldn’t. Does this make sense to anyone? Why would changing a steering wheel cause a car to pull??? The wheel came off a 2016 550 and went on a 2016 450. Aside from wood vs leather, they appear the same. Both cars have blind assist (vibration if you drift).
I’m confident I have the wheel on straight (after the second install) and the wheel rests in a straight position, but the car drifts right in that position. I just don’t get it ...
Just a thought, the wheel does have the splines that go onto the shaft and they are very small so even off by 1 or 2 of the teeth may make a slight difference.
Hate to suggest it but try taking it apart again but mark it with a marker prior to removing the steering wheel, then put it back on 1-2 teeth offset to the right and see if that resolves.
I had a similar issue with a prior vehicle and it was off by 2 teeth on the splines.
Turns out the issue was completely unrelated. I put on a new set of tires around the same time as the wheel swap. Apparently one of the tires had a radial pull. Once the tire was swapped out, everything straightened up. Wanted to post so others who are interested don’t shy away from swapping steering wheels. As noted above, you can reinstall the wheel cockeyed if you’re not careful, but if you pay attention, it’s a quick and easy process.
On a related note, I have a brown leather steering wheel of a 2016 GL450 that is in good shape if anyone is in need of a replacement. Part is 166-460-91-03-8P18
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